BodiMojo Blog

by Remy Marin

         Last June, my sister was helping me study for my biology final exam when she saw that I had written in my notes that the meat we eat is muscle.  It didn’t occur to me that this would affect her, so I was completely surprised when, a few days later, she announced her decision to become a vegetarian. But a recent study in the  Journal of the American Dietetic Association says that a significant amount of kids experiment with a vegetarian diet as a way to mask an eating disorder. 

Sure, some kids might use a vegetarian diet to try to lose weight, but there are many, like my sister, who choose vegetarianism for other reasons.

         Since growing more aware of vegetarianism through my sister’s choice, I have noticed the increasing popularity of vegetarianism among today’s teenagers.  A survey released by the Vegetarian Resource Group showed that two percent of teenagers do not eat any meat at all, citing one college food service that announced that 40 percent of students asked for vegetarian meals.  The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, has noticed this growing popularity among teens as well, launching a new pro-vegan campaign that uses a number of young celebrity spokespeople, such as Alicia Silverstone, Holly Madison, and Kim Kardashian, to target teens.

             The Palo Alto Medical Foundation, or PAMF, lists common reasons why teens give up meat, including the support of animal rights, religious and cultural taboos, and health and weight management. The Vegetarian Society adds environmental concerns to this list.  Of these reasons, two causes in particular seem so resonate with modern teenagers like myself: health and weight, and environmental concerns.

            With regard to health and weight management, there has been an increased amount of pressure on teens to maintain a health diet and weight.  Since vegetables and meat substitutes, such as tofu, are filled with important nutrients and protein with fewer unhealthy fats and calories, teenagers use vegetarianism to promote healthy eating.  Another major complication with teen vegetarianism is that teens often forget that being a vegetarian does not just mean not eating meat; it means substituting meat with ample nutritious foods.  The Vegetarian Resource Group states that, “A healthy, varied vegetarian diet includes fruits, vegetables, plenty of leafy greens, whole grain products, nuts, seeds and legumes.” 

            About environmental concerns, many people worry that meat consumption is harmful to the environment.  Reportedly, raising animals for meat uses a great deal of resources such as land, grain, and water.   The production of plants and grains, however, does not use nearly as much of these resources.  In addition, the preparation of meat also requires a large amount of fossil fuel.  PETA reveals, “A 2006 United Nations report summarized the devastation caused by the meat industry by calling it ‘one of the top two or three most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems, at every scale from local to global.’”  Given this information, teens may find that giving up meat is an easy way for them to contribute to saving the environment.

            Now, I’m not trying to convince you to become a vegetarian.  I love meat just as much as the next teen, and don’t plan on ever becoming a vegetarian.  Still, I recognize that vegetarianism can be very beneficial to those who follow it safely.

If you, or someone you know, is thinking about becoming a vegetarian, there are two things to keep in mind.  First, make sure to eat plenty of valuable proteins, vegetables, and grains.  That way, you will be able to maintain a healthy and complete diet.  Second, remember that vegetarianism is a choice, so you should not feel pressured to continue if you decide that it’s not for you anymore.

            For more information about vegetarianism and maintaining a healthy diet, check out these links: Tree Hugger British Meat, and Mayo Clinic.